Day 12 - The Final Chapter
The teams at Portland - Journey ended
The sea could not have been calmer; we had planned for the fleet to arrive into Portland together, so we agreed to rendezvous near Anvil Point.
All boats got away, with Cool Running finally back in the frame, some planning to go via the Solent others South of the Isle of Wight via St Catherines. As usual Trinity was the last to leave, having to settle mooring fees for the absent minded which always seemed to include the Dutch owned boat, and left at 0930.
Skellig, Quickflash and My Pleasure met up with a helicopter flown by a friend of Andy Haffenden, who flew with them for a while.
Grey Ghost, Trinity, Seahound met up with Mike Deacon on Hot Lemon who had come to see us in at St Catherine’s and then ran up to Anvil Point to meet the rest. As we sat drifting awaiting the arrival of others, Hot Lemon was buzzing around disturbing the tranquil peace, a bit like a small boy might run around in a garden while all the adults were sitting enjoying the sun and quiet conversation. All of a sudden the buzzing changed to a clunking; Hot Lemon's starboard engine had developed a problem. A quick investigation and she set off at 6 knots on one engine to Lymington. We offered Mike an escort but he said he was okay, we could pick him up later if needed when some of us would be returning to Lymington in the afternoon. Everyday this trip throws up a little surprise, this time thank goodness it was not one of the Rally boats.
The fleet assembled and ran together avoiding the gunnery range that was firing off Lulworth. We did try to send Bluewater Raven out first to see if the firing was accurate but these canny men from Lancashire were wiser than expected. The run to Portland in mirror seas was one big playtime boats crossing each other in close formation. The entrance into Portland was delayed while we sorted out the waiting camera crew and then all of a sudden we were moored up and it was over.
The Great British Rib Rally turned out to be The Great British Rib Rally, it has been the longest endurance RIB rally in the world over the longest distance for the longest time and it has been a real adventure for everyone concerned. It had been a challenge, not all had made it, every day was different, we went to places we never expected, faced a great variety of sea conditions, under took repairs on route and made friends. However many photos or videos were taken, there is nothing that will replace being there.
Not all had made the trip, this is one of the things that makes an event like this special - Scoopy Doo who had made the most difficult passage to Ireland and around the West Coast, fell at Bangor when their engine failed - Rooster who had a leg problem that ended their tour in Kinsale - Evolution who missed the West Coast of Ireland due to injury but did rejoin the rally using the rough weather route to catch up - and Cooling Running who where challenged at every turn did make it back into the group.
A special mention to Bluewater Raven, one of the slower cruisers they were the only one to make Stornoway, and continued on from Portland at the end back to Lancashire, their cruise will have been nearly 3000nm.
And of course Seahound, which housed Chris Strickland and Jan Falwoski on board every night of the trip.
Where to next time ...........
Quickflash and Seahound approch Portland
Bluewater Raven playing in the wake.
Evolution in Portland Harbour Home at Last (Thats why they are smiling)